Photo via CGTN

Experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) are set to conduct scientific research on the novel coronavirus with their Chinese peers as their two-week quarantine ends on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a regular press briefing.

The quarantine was in line with standard international practice, added Zhao, noting that the team of experts will conduct interviews and discussions while complying with China's epidemic prevention regulations.

When asked about the origin of COVID-19, Zhao said that identifying the origin of COVID-19 is a complex scientific issue, adding that the aim of the international scientific research and cooperation on the tracing work is to better prevent possible crises in the future.

Zhao also hit back at comments made by White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, who expressed concern about the "misinformation" from "some sources in China."

Any attempt to politicize the WHO mission is inappropriate and will cause unnecessary interference to the WHO team in carrying out scientific research cooperation in China, stressed Zhao.

WHO experts arrived in central China's Wuhan City on January 14 to conduct scientific research and cooperation on the novel coronavirus with Chinese scientists.